Handgun Basics Section

Below is a list of modern firearm cartridges that are used in the handguns found in our database.
Some of these cartridges are were actually designed for use in rifles, but many handguns in our database
have variants that are chambered for rifle cartridges. As such, those cartirdges are also included in our list.

Common Handgun Cartridges

.22 ShortIntroduced: 1857

This cartridge holds the record for being in continuous production longer than any other commercial cartridge. It began in the black-powder era when it was introduced with Smith & Wesson's First Model revolver. At the time it was intended as a self defense round, but today its in the category of small varmint shooting and short-range gallery plinking.

Case Type:

Rimfire, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

0.686

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

560

to

1164

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.423

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

20

to

83

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.225

in

Bullet Weights:

from

27

to

29

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.223

in

More Info

.17 HM2 (.17 Mach II)Introduced: 2004

This cartridge is based on a .22 caliber LR rimfire case that is necked down to seat a 17 grain, .17 caliber Hornady V-Max bullet. Although the overall length of the .17 Mach 2 is the same as the .22 LR, the necked portion of the casing is extended to support the smaller projectile. Keeping the overall size the same as the .22 LR made it easier for manufacturers to re-tool .22 caliber rimfire guns to the new .17 Mach 2 cartridge. This is a lightweight supersonic varmint round that, as its name indicates, travels almost twice the speed of sound. Its speed and weight provide a near-flat trajectory to 100 yards, but past that distance it looses effective energy.

Case Type:

Rimfire, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2010

to

2100

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.714

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

152

to

166

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.226

in

Bullet Weights:

from

17

to

17

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.172

in

More Info

.25 Automatic (6.35mm Browning)Introduced: 1908

This cartridge was introduced in the United States along with the Browning-designed, Colt manufactured 'Vest Pocket' pistol. Also referred to as the 6.35mm Browning, this semi-rimmed centerfire cartridge has fairly high velocity for such a small size. However, the energy it delivers at any range is quite low. This, combined with the full metal jacketed bullet, adds up to a very poor stopping or killing power on anything. The .25 ACP is not powerful enough for hunting anything but pests, nor is it adequate for serious self defense. However, the .25 auto caliber pistols are popular because of their small size and low cost.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

0.91

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

750

to

900

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.615

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

62

to

73

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.278

in

Bullet Weights:

from

35

to

50

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.251

in

More Info

.25 NAA (.25 North American Arms)Introduced: 2002

The .25 NAA was introduced by North American Arms company for their Guardian model pistol. It is simply the .32 ACP necked down to accept .251"" diameter bullets. Its performance is very similar to the .32 ACP cartridge.

Case Type:

Semi-rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.03

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1050

to

1200

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.68

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

86

to

112

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.337

in

Bullet Weights:

from

35

to

35

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.251

in

More Info

.17 HMR (.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire)Introduced: 2002

This cartridge is based on a .22 Magnum (WMR) rimfire case that is necked down to seat a 17 grain, .17 caliber Hornady V-Max bullet. As done with the .17 Mach 2, the .17 HMR is sized such that manufacturers can easily re-tool .22 WMR gun designs to the new .17 HMR cartridge. This is a supersonic varmint round that travels over twice the speed of sound with near flat trajectory to 100 yards. The larger cartridge and load gives the .17 HMR more than 1-1/2 times the energy at 100 yards than the smaller .17 Mach 2.

Case Type:

Rimfire, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.349

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1966

to

2375

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.06

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

146

to

250

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.238

in

Bullet Weights:

from

17

to

20

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.172

in

More Info

.22 LR (.22 Long Rifle)Introduced: 1887

The Stevens Arms Co. developed the .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge from the .22 Long cartridge case developed 16 years earlier, with a 40 grain round nose bullet loaded to a higher velocity than the older 29 grain .22 Long bullet. Modern .22 Long Rifle High Velocity cartridges drive a 40 grain copper-plated bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1255 fps and muzzle energy of 140 ft-lbs from a rifle barrel. This rimfire cartridge has become the most popular sporting and target shooting cartridge in the world.

Case Type:

Rimfire, straight

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

0.975

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1050

to

1435

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.6

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

98

to

191

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.226

in

Bullet Weights:

from

32

to

40

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.223

in

More Info

.32 Automatic (7.65mm Browning)Introduced: 1899

Initially introduced in europe, this semi-rimmed centerfire cartridge came to the United States when Colt introduced its 'Pocket Model' semiautomatic pistol. Like the .25 ACP, the .32 ACP is considered by many as too weak to be an effective self-defense round. But it has been an extremely popular caliber, notably by the fact that practically all minor and major manufacturers of autoloading handguns in the world have built millions of small pocket autoloaders in .32 Auto.

Case Type:

Semi-rimmed, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.03

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

800

to

980

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.68

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

100

to

130

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.337

in

Bullet Weights:

from

60

to

71

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.309

in

More Info

.22 Magnum (.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR))Introduced: 1959

This cartridge pushes the limits of pressure possible with a rimfire case. Also referred to as the .22 WMR, the .22 Magnum was initially offered with 40 grain FMJ and JHP bullets at an advertised muzzle velocity of 2000 fps from a rifle barrel and 1550 fps from a pistol barrel. Due to the high supersonic velocity, .22 WMR cartridges are loaded with jacketed bullets. The various 30-40 grain JHP bullets are best for varmint hunting, but are overly destructive on small game.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.35

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1875

to

2200

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.052

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

312

to

324

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.241

in

Bullet Weights:

from

30

to

40

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.224

in

More Info

.32 S&W Long (.32 Smith & Wesson Long)Introduced: 1896

This cartridge was developed for the Smith & Wesson First Model solid-frame hand-ejector revolver. The cartridge is known for its high accuracy and light recoil. It is considered by many as the smallest revolver cartridge deemed adequate for defense use.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.27

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

680

to

837

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.93

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

102

to

154

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.335

in

Bullet Weights:

from

83

to

100

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.312

in

More Info

5.7x28mm FNIntroduced: 1989

This cartridge was developed by Belgium gunmaker Fabrique Nationale for its new personal defense gun, the P90 and its companion pistol, the FN Five-Seven. The military armor-piercing variant of the round is claimed to be far superior to the NATO standard 9mm cartridge. The civilian variants of this cartridge are not available with armor-piercing bullets, and as such have a much weaker performance, closer to that of the .22 WMR (.22 Magnum).

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.71

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1890

to

2790

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.13

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

222

to

538

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.31

in

Bullet Weights:

from

23

to

40

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.22

in

More Info

.32 NAA (.32 North American Arms)Introduced: 2002

This cartridge is basically a .380 ACP case necked down to house a 32-caliber bullet. In 2002 North American Arms offered this chambering in its Guardian mini-pistol product line. The cartridge uses a proprietary bullet designed by Hornady. It is touted by its developer to have performance better than or equal to the .380 ACP cartridge, with less recoil.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

0.98

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1222

to

1222

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.68

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

199

to

199

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.373

in

Bullet Weights:

from

60

to

60

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.312

in

More Info

.22 TCM (.22 Tuason-Craig Micromagnum)Introduced: 2011

The .22 TCM is a proprietary cartridge developed by Fred Craig and Rock Island Armory. It is a bottlenecked cartridge, similar in case capacity, general shape, and performance to the 5.7x28 FN cartridge.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.265

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1875

to

1875

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.025

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

312

to

312

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.372

in

Bullet Weights:

from

40

to

40

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.224

in

More Info

9x18mm Makarov ()Introduced: 1948

This is the current Russian military cartridge used in the Makarov and Stechkin auto pistols. It was adopted shortly after the end of World War II, and its design was probably inspired by an experimental German cartridge called the 9mm Ultra. This cartridge is intermediate in size and power, between the .380 Automatic and the 9mm Parabellum. It is a well-designed cartridge for its purpose, although a little underpowered by Western standards.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

0.97

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

977

to

1060

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.71

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

173

to

237

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.389

in

Bullet Weights:

from

90

to

100

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.363

in

More Info

.380 Automatic (9mm Browning Short)Introduced: 1912

Designed by John Browning and introduced by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium, this cartridge has achieved world-wide acceptance and has even been adopted as the standard pistol cartridge by several governments. One reason for the round's success is that it is the largest practical cartridge that can be easily adapted to small automatic pocket pistols. Ballistics fall far short of even the 9mm Luger, but still prove adequate for most self-defense situations. The round has established quite a niche position in this role, often being chosen over more traditional small calibers such as the .25 and .32 Autos.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

0.98

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

900

to

1050

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.68

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

168

to

220

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.373

in

Bullet Weights:

from

88

to

115

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.356

in

More Info

.32 H&R Magnum (.32 Harrington & Richardson Magnum)Introduced: 1984

This cartridge was the result of a joint project between Harrington & Richardson and Federal Cartridge Company. It was introduced in 1984 for the five-shot H&R Model 504, 532 and 586 revolvers. The cartridge is simply the older 32 Smith & Wesson Long case lengthened by 0.155 inch. Therefore, any 32 Magnum revolver will also accept and fire both the .32 S&W and the .32S&W Long cartridges. The .32 H&R Magnum cartridge performance level is well above that of any other 32-caliber handgun cartridge currently available.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.35

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1030

to

1100

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.08

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

225

to

230

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.333

in

Bullet Weights:

from

85

to

95

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.312

in

More Info

.22 Hornet (5.6x36Rmm)Introduced: 1930

This cartridge is the oldest of the centerfire .22 calibers in use today. It was developed from an old black-powder cartridge called the .22 Winchester Center Fire. Although not quite as powerful as the .218 Bee, the .22 Hornet has begun to acquire new popularity as a varmint round. It has a mixed reputation for accuracy and its range is limited to about 200 yards.

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.72

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2346

to

2690

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.4

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

550

to

723

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.294

in

Bullet Weights:

from

45

to

45

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.223

in

More Info

7.62x25mm TokarevIntroduced: 1930

This was the official Soviet pistol cartridge adopted in 1930 for the Tokarev Model TT-30 and modified Model TT-33 automatic pistols. The cartridge is very similar in dimension to the 7.63mm Mauser cartridge. Most brands of Mauser ammunition can be fired in the Tokerev pistol. The 7.62mm Tokarev is a fair cartridge with good velocity and flat trajectory but needs softpoint bullets for maximum effectiveness.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.35

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1230

to

1390

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.97

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

290

to

365

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.38

in

Bullet Weights:

from

85

to

90

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.307

in

More Info

.32-20 Winchester (.32-20 WCF)Introduced: 1882

Although originally designed for the Winchester Model 73 lever-action rifle, the 32-30 became very popular as a revolver cartridge in its time. Now, the cartridge is in a semi-obsolete status, having been replaced by the likes of the .32 H&R Magnum and the .357 Magnum rounds for for performance in a revolver.

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.592

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1210

to

1210

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.32

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

325

to

325

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.353

in

Bullet Weights:

from

100

to

100

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.312

in

More Info

.218 BEEIntroduced: 1938

Introduced by Winchester, the .218 BEE was originally developed for the Model 65 lever-action rifle. Today Ruger, Marlin, Thompson/Center and Browning chamber guns for this cartridge. The cartridge design is based on a .32-20 case necked-down to .22 caliber. The larger case provides a somewhat greater powder capacity and as such, a higher velocity and greater effective range than the .22 Hornet. While still an effective cartridge, the .218 BEE has been largely displaced by the .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington.

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.68

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2500

to

2800

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.35

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

697

to

763

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.349

in

Bullet Weights:

from

40

to

50

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.224

in

More Info

.38 Special (.38 Smith & Wesson Special)Introduced: 1902

Developed by Smith & Wesson and introduced along with its Military & Police Model revolver in 1902, this was originally a military cartridge intended to replace the unsatisfactory .38 Long Colt then in use by the Army. Colt brought out its own version of the .38 Special in 1909, which differs from the original only in bullet shape, being a flat-point style. The .38 Special is considered one of the best-balanced, all-round handgun cartridges ever designed. It is also one of the most accurate and very widely used for match shooting.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.55

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

710

to

1250

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.16

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

166

to

382

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.379

in

Bullet Weights:

from

110

to

158

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.357

in

More Info

9mm Luger (9mm Parabellum)Introduced: 1902

This cartridge was introduced along with the Luger semi-automatic pistol. The pistol and cartridge was first adopted by the German Navy in 1904 and then by the German Army in 1908. This cartridge has since been adopted by the military of practically every non-Communist power. It has become the most popular and widely-used handgun cartridge in the world. Performance wise, the 9mm cartridge has somewhat more power than the .38 Special but falls well short of the .357 Magnum.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.16

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

985

to

1500

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.754

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

294

to

450

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.392

in

Bullet Weights:

from

90

to

147

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.355

in

More Info

.327 Federal MagnumIntroduced: 2008

The .327 Federal Magnum is a new cartridge introduced by Sturm, Ruger and Federal Cartridge, intended to provide the power of a .357 Magnum in six shot, compact revolvers, whose cylinders only hold 5 rounds of the larger .357 Magnum cartridge. The .327 Federal provides performance similar to the high velocity rifle loadings of the old .32-20 Winchester, though in much shorter barrel.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.47

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1300

to

1500

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.2

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

334

to

500

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.333

in

Bullet Weights:

from

85

to

115

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.312

in

More Info

9x21mm (9mm IMI)Introduced: 1985

In many countries such as Italy, Mexico and France, it is illegal for private citizens to own handguns in military chamberings such as the NATO 9mm Luger. Israel Military Industries designed the 9x21mm cartridge for those markets. Based on the 9x19mm Luger cartridge, the casing was lengthened from 19mm to 21mm. The bullet sits slightly deeper in the casing, which results in almost the same overall length as the 9x19mm Luger cartridge. While not physically interchangeable, the 9x21mm is the ballistic equal of the 9mm Luger.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.16

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1090

to

1300

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.83

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

380

to

420

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.392

in

Bullet Weights:

from

115

to

147

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.355

in

More Info

.38 Super Automatic (.38 Super Auto Colt)Introduced: 1929

Introduced by Colt as an improved version of the older .38 Auto, the Super Auto is identical to the original cartridge except that it uses a more powerful loading. For many years this cartridge was considered the most powerful automatic pistol cartridge made in the US from the standpoint of both velocity and energy. It can give greater penetration than the .45 Auto cartridge, bit is inferior to the .45 Auto in actual stopping power for defense use.

Case Type:

Semi-rimmed, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.28

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1148

to

1557

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.9

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

368

to

500

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.383

in

Bullet Weights:

from

90

to

150

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.358

in

More Info

357 SIGIntroduced: 1994

The 357 SIG cartridge was developed by SIGARMS in partnership with Federal Cartridge.The cartridge uses a bottlenecked .40 S&W casing crimped to a 9mm bullet. This is why the 357 SIG is not written as '.357', as it is not truly a .357 caliber bullet, but is instead a standard 9mm bullet (.3550 in). The 357 SIG design is an attempt to create a cartridge with stopping power that would approach the larger .357 Magnum revolver round, but in a smaller package that can fit comfortably in the grip of a semi-automatic weapon. Despite the manufacturer's claims, it is not quite as powerful as an actual .357 Magnum, but it exceeds the power of a .40 S&W cartridge.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.14

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1130

to

1500

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.865

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

410

to

575

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.425

in

Bullet Weights:

from

115

to

150

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.357

in

More Info

.40 S&W (.40 Smith & Wesson Auto)Introduced: 1990

This cartridge was developed as a joint venture between Winchester and Smith & Wesson. It was an effort to to create a cartridge with the same power as the 10mm Norma round that the FBI had just started using, but in a shorter case. The shorter cartridge would facilitate accuracy and allow use of a smaller, more comfortable grip frame. The .40 S&W has become the cartridge of choice for many law enforcement agencies in the United States.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.135

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

985

to

1325

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.85

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

355

to

500

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.423

in

Bullet Weights:

from

135

to

180

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.4

in

More Info

.223 Remington (5.56x45 mm NATO)Introduced: 1957

The 223 Remington was developed as an experimental military cartridge for the Armalite AR-15 assault rifle. It is now a US military standard as well as an extremely popular commercial sporting round. The cartridge is nearly identical to the 222 Remington Magnum with the only difference being a slightly shorter case. Classified as a long range centerfire 22 round, its velocity is still supersonic at 500 yards. Note that while the military version (5.56x45mm NATO) is dimensionally the same, its higher pressure loads may be unsafe in civilian guns designated only for the .223 cartridge.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

2.1

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2790

to

3800

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.76

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1140

to

1296

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.373

in

Bullet Weights:

from

47

to

75

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.224

in

More Info

.44 S&W Special (.44 Smith & Wesson Special)Introduced: 1907

This is one of the first generation pistol cartridges designed to use smokeless powder. Its performance is modest compared to the .44 Remington Magnum but is very potent compared to the .38 special. The .44 S&W Special round can be fired in modern revolvers chambered for the .44 Remington Magnum.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.62

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

755

to

1150

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.16

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

310

to

485

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.457

in

Bullet Weights:

from

165

to

246

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.429

in

More Info

.357 Magnum (.357 Smith & Wesson Magnum)Introduced: 1934

Smith & Wesson introduced this cartridge for its heavy-frame revolver. Ammunition was developed by Winchester in cooperation with Smith & Wesson. Using a lengthened and strengthened version of the .38 Special case, the .357 Magnum was rapidly accepted by hunters and law enforcement. At the time of its introduction, it was claimed to easily pierce the body panels of automobiles and crack engine blocks. While it has less power than the .44 Magnum, it compares favorably to the 10mm Norma and .45 ACP, but with better armor penetration. Today factories offer over fifty different loadings in this caliber.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.59

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1145

to

1542

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.29

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

397

to

834

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.379

in

Bullet Weights:

from

110

to

180

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.357

in

More Info

.45 Automatic (.45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP))Introduced: 1904

This cartridge was developed by John Browning and was adopted by the United States Ordnance Department along with the Colt-Browning automatic pistol in 1911. It has also been made the official military handgun chambering by several other governments, notably Argentina, Mexico and Norway. The 45 Automatic is the most powerful military handgun cartridge in use today. This is a heavy and powerful sub-sonic round. Although its muzzle energy can exceed 400 ft-lbs, its velocity and bullet weight creates a steep trajectory curve that limits its effective range to self-defense distances.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.17

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

830

to

1140

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.898

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

333

to

573

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.476

in

Bullet Weights:

from

165

to

230

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.452

in

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.45 GAP (.45 Glock Automatic Pistol)Introduced: 2003

A joint development program by Glock and Speer resulted in the .45 Glock Automatic Pistol. This new cartridge was designed by GLOCK to be used in the medium frame sized GLOCK 37 semi-auto pistol. It is based on the .45 ACP pistol cartridge, but is shorter, having the same overall length as a 9 mm Luger or .40 S&W. The .45 GAP operates at a higher pressure than the .45 ACP to make up for the smaller chamber volume. It was first believed that the traditional .45 ACP loading of a 230-grain bullet at 830 ft/sec would not be possible in the .45 GAP, but careful gunpowder selection on the part of ammunition manufacturers has realized that standard.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.07

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

850

to

1090

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.755

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

356

to

488

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.476

in

Bullet Weights:

from

185

to

230

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.452

in

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.38-40 WinchesterIntroduced: 1874

This was originally a blackpowder cartridge designed as one of the chamberings in the Winchester Model 73 lever-action rifle. Around 1878 Colt began chambering revolvers for it. No rifles have been chambered for the 38-40 since 1937. It is still a popular cartridge chambering for cowboy shooting revolvers

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.59

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1000

to

1200

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.3

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

444

to

538

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.465

in

Bullet Weights:

from

155

to

200

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.401

in

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10mm AutoIntroduced: 1983

Initially made by Norma and chambered in the Bren Ten pistol in 1983 the 10mm Auto was right off a formidable round. While the Bren Ten was not successful, the 10mm cartridge was. In 1989 the FBI announced the 10mm Auto as their officially favored sidearm. While the cartridge has proven itself over time, many felt that the cartridge was a little long for semi-auto pistols, making the pistol grip a little big for some comfort levels. When the shorter .40 S&W cartridge with very similar ballistics was introduced, it soon won popularity over the 10mm round. The 10mm Auto cartridge still has a strong following and manufacturers are still making pistols chambered for this round.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.26

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1030

to

1400

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.99

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

425

to

587

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.423

in

Bullet Weights:

from

135

to

200

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.4

in

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.400 Cor-BonIntroduced: 1995

Cor-Bon is a brand of small arms ammunition produced by Dakota Ammo Incorporated. This cartridge is simply a .45 Auto case necked down to accept a .40 caliber bullet. The advantage of this design is the ease of conversion of .45 Auto pistol models to accept the .400 Cor-Bon cartridge. The performance of this cartridge falls somewhere between the .40 S&W and .45 Auto cartridges.

Case Type:

Rimless, bottleneck

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.2

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1100

to

1450

ft/sec

Case Length:

0.898

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

480

to

625

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.47

in

Bullet Weights:

from

135

to

180

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.401

in

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.45 Colt (.45 Long Colt)Introduced: 1872

This cartridge was adopted by the US Army in 1873 for the legendary Colt Single Action Army 'Peacemaker' revolver. This is yet another cartridge that was originally a black-powder design. This cartridge is still very popular today, used in many derringers and cowboy action revolvers.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.6

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

860

to

1100

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.285

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

355

to

537

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.48

in

Bullet Weights:

from

200

to

255

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.454

in

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.30 Carbine (.30 M1 Carbine)Introduced: 1941

This cartridge was developed just prior to WWII for the military to use in its newly selected Winchester semi-automatic 30 M1 carbine. It is basically a modification of the Winchester 32 Self-Loading round of 1906. It is considered in the same class as the 32-20 WCF round with an effective range of about 150 yards.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.65

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1930

to

1990

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.29

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

910

to

967

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.355

in

Bullet Weights:

from

110

to

110

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.308

in

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.44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Centerfire (WCF))Introduced: 1873

This cartridge was developed for Winchester's Model 1873 rifle. It is yet another example of an early centerfire, black-powder cartridge that has been used in both pistols and rifles. While it is greatly outperformed by the .44 Remington Magnum, this caliber is making a comeback in Cowboy Action Shooting events.

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

1.592

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

750

to

1235

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.31

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

281

to

734

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.471

in

Bullet Weights:

from

200

to

225

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.429

in

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.357 Maximum (.357 Remington Maximum)Introduced: 1983

This cartridge was announced as a joint venture between Remington Arms Co.and Sturm, Ruger and Co. It is a .33 inch elongation of the .357 Magnum case. The first handgun to chamber the round was the Ruger Blackhawk. The cartridge was conceived primarily as an ultra-velocity, flat-trajectory silhouette cartridge, but also became popular for hunting small and medium sized game.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.97

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1300

to

1825

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.59

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

676

to

1168

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.375

in

Bullet Weights:

from

125

to

180

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.357

in

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.41 Remington MagnumIntroduced: 1964

This cartridge was introduced in June 1964 along with the Smith & Wesson Model 57 revolver. This cartridge filled the power gap between the .357 Magnum and the .44 Remington Magnum cartridges. Many police departments initially adopted the .41 Remington Magnum revolver prior to the introduction of 9mm Luger and .40 S&W semiautomatic pistols.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.58

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1160

to

1400

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.28

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

607

to

833

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.433

in

Bullet Weights:

from

170

to

250

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.41

in

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.44 Remington Magnum ()Introduced: 1955

This cartridge was developed by Smith & Wesson and Remington, and was introduced for a new heavy-frame 44 Magnum revolver. Today Ruger, Colt, Smith & Wesson and others make revolvers for this cartridge. This is a high powered pistol cartridge designed primarily for hunting. The .44 Magnum offers less power than .50 AE and .454 Casull, but much more than .357 Magnum.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.61

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1180

to

1700

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.29

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

741

to

1219

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.457

in

Bullet Weights:

from

180

to

300

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.429

in

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.45 Winchester MagnumIntroduced: 1979

This cartridge was introduced by Winchester in 1979 to be used in the gas-operated Wildey pistol. Winchester's new pistol was not much of a success, but the powerful .45 Wincheter Magnum cartridge was. The cartridge is essentially an elongated version of the .45 ACP round. It was the most powerful semi-auto cartridge of its time, until the introduction of the .50 Action Express in 1988.

Case Type:

Rimless, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.55

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1150

to

1850

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.198

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

934

to

1406

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.477

in

Bullet Weights:

from

185

to

320

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.451

in

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.30-30 Winchester (7.62x51Rmm)Introduced: 1895

The 30-30 was the first American small-bore, smokeless-powder sporting cartridge. For nearly 100 years it has been what most hunters would consider the basic deer hunting cartridge. It was originally marketed as one of the chamberings available for the Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle. It's effective range is about 200 yards.

Case Type:

Rimmed, bottleneck

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

2.53

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2350

to

2800

ft/sec

Case Length:

2.03

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1903

to

2207

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.422

in

Bullet Weights:

from

110

to

180

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.308

in

More Info

.445 Super MagnumIntroduced: 1986

This cartridge is essentially a .44 Magnum case with approximately 3/8-inch added to the overall length. It was designed primarily for competition silhouette shooting but is also popular for handgun hunting of large game. The .445 Super Magnum can drive a heavy 300 grain bullet 120ft/sec faster than the .44 Magnum cartridge can.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.985

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1300

to

1500

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.6

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1045

to

1215

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.457

in

Bullet Weights:

from

240

to

300

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.432

in

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.480 RugerIntroduced: 2003

From a performance perspective this cartridge falss in between the .44 Remington Magnum and the .454 Casull cartridges. It has slightly less relative recoil than either the .454 Casull or the .50 Action Express cartridges. Designed initially for use in Sturm Ruger's Super Redhawk revolvers, MAgnum Research and Taurus now also have revolvers chambered for this big game hunting round.

Case Type:

Semi-rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.65

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1350

to

1350

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.285

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1315

to

1315

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.504

in

Bullet Weights:

from

325

to

325

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.475

in

More Info

.50 AE (.50 Action Express)Introduced: 1988

This cartridge was developed in 1988 for the IMI (now IWI) Desert Eagle semi-auto pistol, exclusively marketed by Magnum Research. Just like the pistol, this is a mammoth round and is considered one of the world's most powerful semi-automatic cartridges. This cartridge is almost exclusive to the Desert Eagle semi-auto pistol, although AMT produced the Automag V in this caliber for a while, and now Magnum Research is also marketing a revolver in this caliber.

Case Type:

Rebated, straight

Made For:

Semi-Auto

Cartridge Length:

1.61

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1305

to

1579

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.285

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1227

to

1568

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.547

in

Bullet Weights:

from

300

to

325

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.5

in

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.454 CasullIntroduced: 1959

This cartridge employs a special case, similar to the .45 Colt, but 0.1 inch longer to prevent the round from chambering in .45 Colt revolvers. This is because the higher pressure loading in the .454 Casull would be dangerous in revolvers chambered for the milder .45 Colt cartridge. The .454 Casull is one of the most powerful revolver cartridges available and is primarily used for hunting.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

1.7

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1300

to

1900

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.39

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

938

to

1923

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.48

in

Bullet Weights:

from

240

to

335

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.452

in

More Info

.460 S&W Magnum (.460 Smith & Wesson Magnum)Introduced: 2005

This cartridge is a lengthened, more powerful version of the .454 Casull. Revolvers that fire .460 S&W are usually also capable of firing the less powerful .454 Casull and .45 Colt rounds.
The .460 cartridge achieves high velocities by operating at pressures normally reserved for magnum rifle cartridges. This cartridge is typically used for hunting medium to large game.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Revolver

Cartridge Length:

2.29

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1900

to

2300

ft/sec

Case Length:

1.8

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

2350

to

2860

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.478

in

Bullet Weights:

from

200

to

300

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.452

in

More Info

.444 MarlinIntroduced: 1964

This cartridge was designed for the Marlin Model 336 lever-action rifle. It was an improvement over the .44 Magnum revolver round, which had gained its own popularity as a rifle round but was lacking in effective range and stopping power. The .444 Marlin cartridge extends both the effective range and stopping power inherent in the .44 Magnum round.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

2.57

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2082

to

2500

ft/sec

Case Length:

2.16

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

2499

to

3080

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.469

in

Bullet Weights:

from

180

to

305

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.429

in

More Info

.45-70 GovernmentIntroduced: 1873

This cartridge was adopted by the US Army in 1873 along with the single shot 'Trapdoor' Springfield rifle. It continued as the official service cartridge for 19 years. It is still in use today, often for short range deer or bear hunting.

Case Type:

Rimmed, straight

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

2.55

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

1330

to

2025

ft/sec

Case Length:

2.105

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

1590

to

3167

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.5

in

Bullet Weights:

from

300

to

450

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.458

in

More Info

.450 MarlinIntroduced: 2000

Marlin and Hornady teamed up in 2001 to develop a high-performance cartridge that would pick up in modern guns where the older .45-70 cartridge left off. The volume of .450 Marlin cartridge is similar to the .45-70 but the working pressure is nearly double. This produces a significant performance increase over the .45-70 cartridge.

Case Type:

Belted, straight

Made For:

Rifle

Cartridge Length:

2.55

in

Muzzle Velocities:

from

2100

to

2100

ft/sec

Case Length:

2.09

in

Muzzle Energies:

from

3427

to

3427

ft-lb

Case Diameter:

0.511

in

Bullet Weights:

from

300

to

300

gr

Bullet Diameter:

0.458

in

More Info

.500 S&W Magnum (.500 Smith & Wesson Magnum)Introduced: 2003

This cartridge is the most powerful factory load ever developed specifically for handgun use. It was developed by Cor-Bon with the 'X-Gun' engineering team at Smith & Wesson for use in their Model 500 series revolvers. The .500 S&W Magnum can develop over 2600 ft-lb of muzzle energy, nearly three times as much as the 900 ft-lb generated by the .44 Magnum.